System and method for dispensing prescriptions
First Claim
1. An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical items, comprising:
- a frame;
a container dispensing station attached to the frame;
a labeling station attached to the frame;
a labeling carrier configured to grasp a container and transport the container from the container dispensing station to the labeling station;
a dispensing station having a plurality of bins that receive and dispense solid pharmaceutical items; and
a dispensing carrier that is positioned and configured to receive a labeled container from the labeling carrier and that is further positioned and configured to transport the labeled container to the dispensing station for filling with solid pharmaceutical items from one of the bins; and
a controller operatively connected with and controlling the operation of the container dispensing station, the labeling station, the labeling carrier, the dispensing station, and the dispensing carrier.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical items, comprising:
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a frame; a container dispensing station attached to the frame; a labeling station attached to the frame; a labeling carrier configured to grasp a container and transport the container from the container dispensing station to the labeling station; a dispensing station having a plurality of bins that receive and dispense solid pharmaceutical items; and a dispensing carrier that is positioned and configured to receive a labeled container from the labeling carrier and that is further positioned and configured to transport the labeled container to the dispensing station for filling with solid pharmaceutical items from one of the bins; and a controller operatively connected with and controlling the operation of the container dispensing station, the labeling station, the labeling carrier, the dispensing station, and the dispensing carrier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical items, comprising:
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a frame; a container dispensing station attached to the frame; a labeling station attached to the frame; a labeling carrier configured to grasp a container and transport the container from the container dispensing station to the labeling station; a dispensing station having a plurality of bins that receive and dispense solid pharmaceutical items; and a dispensing carrier that receives a labeled container from the labeling carrier and transports the labeled container to the dispensing station for filling with solid pharmaceutical items from one of the bins; and a controller operatively connected with and controlling the operation of the container dispensing station, the labeling station, the labeling carrier, the dispensing station, and the dispensing carrier; wherein each of the bins comprises a hopper for holding items to be singulated, and wherein the hopper is fluidly connected with a low pressure source that is configured to induce air flow in the hopper that agitates solid pharmaceutical items contained in the hopper. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical items, comprising:
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a frame; a container dispensing station attached to the frame; a labeling station attached to the frame; a labeling carrier configured to grasp a container and transport the container from the container dispensing station to the labeling station; a dispensing station having a plurality of bins that receive and dispense solid pharmaceutical items; and a dispensing carrier that receives a labeled container from the labeling carrier and transports the labeled container to the dispensing station for filling with solid pharmaceutical items from one of the bins; and a controller operatively connected with and controlling the operation of the container dispensing station, the labeling station, the labeling carrier, the dispensing station, and the dispensing carrier; wherein each of the bins comprises; a hopper for holding items to be singulated; a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper and configured in cross-section to permit the passage of a single item at a time, the dispensing channel including a forwardly-directed jet aperture; wherein the forwardly-directed jet is fluidly connected with a positive pressure source. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification